RJM posted:#1 Relative to the level of competition there will be a handful of lock to play studs at one end of the roster. There will be a handful of recruiting mistakes at the back of the roster who better improve quickly. In between will be a lot of talented players competing for half as many playing spots. Some will be waiting for their opportunity to prove they should get another opportunity. In this middle ground it’s more about mental toughness and staying prepared than talent.
It’s why I’m surprised there’s so little emphasis on the mental side of baseball in development. Maybe it’s because everyone at the college level was the peacock stud and never failed before college ball.
#2 Outside pitchers and catchers there are two kinds of players; middle of the field players and mashers. Middle of the field players were typically high school shortstops and centerfielders who have the speed and athletic ability to play anywhere after some training.
#3 Not only are younger players being recruited behind the player. A player may return in the fall to find a JuCo stud transfer or a good player who transferred in at his position.
"It’s why I’m surprised there’s so little emphasis on the mental side of baseball in development. Maybe it’s because everyone at the college level was the peacock stud and never failed before college ball."
So very true. The mental side and becoming a student of the game can take a very good player and make him towards the top or even elite. I've seen many P5 and mid D-1 players who are good athletes, yet their mental approach or knowledge of the game strategy appears to be lacking. It's common in high school where some good athletes rely solely on their athleticism and physical attributes, yet their understanding of the game or even fundamentals may be lacking. May not be apparent now but at the next level it will be difficult to hide.